GeneWatch PR: 77% of the public believe there should be a ban on growing genetically engineered crops and food in Britain.

Press Release

The conclusive results of a new MORI poll indicate that the vast
majority of the British public are currently opposed to the growing of genetically
engineered crops in this country  the questions, results and poll techniques are
attached.

Commissioned by GeneWatch, the independent organisation which monitors developments in
genetic engineering, the MORI poll shows that 77% want a ban on the growing of such crops
until their impacts have been more fully assessed. A similar number (73%) are concerned
that genetically engineered crops could interbreed with natural, wild plants and cause
genetic pollution.

The MORI poll also reveals that 61% of the public do not want to eat genetically
modified foods (an 8% increase since a similar MORI poll was conducted in December 1996)
and 58% of the public oppose the use of genetic engineering in the development of food (a
7% increase on 1996).

"How much more evidence does the Government need that the public do not want
genetically engineered foods and that this opposition is increasing?" said GeneWatch
Director, Dr Sue Mayer. "Until now, the Government has taken little account of public
opinion and has been complacent about the risks of introducing genetically engineered
crops."

From next year, herbicide resistant oilseed rape could be the first genetically
engineered crop to be grown commercially in Britain. A GeneWatch report, "Genetically
Engineered Oilseed Rape: Agricultural Saviour or New Form of Pollution?", to be
published tomorrow, concludes that new research casts doubts on previous safety
assessments and that serious damage could be done to the environment and farming.

Public rejection of genetically engineered foods could have serious consequences for
food producers and retailers, who would be forced into an increasingly difficult search
for products which could be guaranteed to be non genetically engineered. Farmers could be
faced with major problems from genetic pollution and uncontrollable herbicide resistant
weeds. "In fact, the only people who are likely to benefit are the huge multinational
companies which are developing the crops," says Dr Mayer. "The Government should
not be rushed into introducing this new technology but should listen to its electorate and
declare an immediate halt to the commercial exploitation of genetically engineered crops
until the whole issue has been properly evaluated."